462 LAWS OF MARYLAND.

577. It shall be the duty of each inspector, once at least in
every year, to inspect all stationary steam boilers of three horse
power and upwards, used within the limits of his district, sub-
jecting them to a hydrostatic test of at least twenty-five per
cent, in excess of the steam pressure allowed, and satisfy him-
self, by a thorough external and internal examination, (if pos-
sible,) with a hammer, that the boilers are free from danger from
corrosion or other defects, are well made of good material, the
openings for the passage of water and steam, respectively, and
all pipes and tubes exposed to heat are of proper dimensions,
and free from obstruction; that the flues and tubes, if any, are
circular in form, the furnaces in proper shape, and the fire line
of the furnaces is at least two inches below the minimum water
line of the boilers; and shall also satisfy himself that the safety
valves are of suitable dimensions, sufficient in number and well
arranged, and that the weights are properly adjusted so as to
allow no greater pressure in the boiler than the amount pre-
scribed in the certificate of inspection; that there is a sufficient
number of gauge-cocks, a steam gauge, a coupling cock in
suitable position for attaching the hydrostatic test, that means
for blowing out are provided, so as to thoroughly remove the
mud and sediment from all parts of the boilers when they are
under the pressure of steam, and that fusible metals are prop-
erly inserted so as to fuse by the heat of the furnaces when the
water in the boilers shall fall below the prescribed limits, and
that adequate and certain provision is made for an ample sup-
ply of water at all times; when the inspection is completed and
the inspector approves the boiler, he shall make and subscribe
a certificate of inspection, stating the condition of the boiler,
the number of years or months it has been in use, and the pres-
sure of steam allowed; and no greater pressure than that al-
lowed by the certificate shall be applied to such boiler. In lim-
iting pressure, whenever the boiler under test will, with safety,
bear the same, the limit desired by the owner shall be the one
certified; and such certificate of inspection shall be framed
under glass, and kept in some conspicuous place on the prem-
ises where said boiler referred to is used; and if the inspector
shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the owner or renter of
any boiler a certificate of inspection without having first sub-
jected the said boiler to the tests as herein provided, he shall